Role of Ngo’s in Pakistan: An Overview

Abstract

In the previous century, with the development of modern state and industrial society, NGOs played a significant role for the betterment of society as well as NGOs were considered a strong factor to establish welfare society. In this regard, the role of NGOs is studied in a variety of social sciences like Sociology, Economics, Social work, and Political science. In developed countries, the contribution made by NGOs is remarkable with noticeable credibility. Welfare states encourage the objectives, agenda, and activities of such organizations, therefore, a very inspiring and transparent system supplements the performance. On the other hand, in underdeveloped countries, though NGOs have been working with good zeal and passion, it is not easy to make things happen according to their slogans and goals.

The same is the situation in Pakistan, where NGOs started working in almost all spheres of life since the creation of the country. Even the state made different programs and projects, but after more than six decades, whether NGOs are successful in maintaining a credible image and performing in the desired direction or being questioned negatively? This paper is an attempt to investigate and analyze the complex role of NGOs in Pakistan. The strengths and weaknesses need to be identified, but it is notable that the work being done requires a stable political system, better law and order situation, social justice, and favorable support from the state. Unfortunately, Pakistan is lacking in all the above-mentioned dimensions. It is equally important to examine the performance of NGOs keeping in mind the particular historical and ideological perspective of society.

It is very easy to declare and recognize any developed country as secular, progressive, and liberal, but any study in the case of Pakistan is not easy to define whether it is religious or liberal. This confused and blurring picture is a considerable challenge of this study. Though a variety of research work is available, this paper throws light on the complex challenges and difficulties being faced by NGOs at the state and social level as well as it is a critical study of NGOs' role in different walks of life.